Chapter 5: Review Questions

1. Define “Ethics”
Ethics, as defined in the book, refers to a set of moral principles or values that
govern the actions and decisions of an individual or a group. Its primary objective
is to guide and encourage the members of a company or simply an individual to act
in accordance with the rules of the company to promote uniformity and efficient
output. Each person may follow different ethics but in a society as a whole, there is
a certain principle that is followed by everyone which validates whether a certain
action is ethical or not. Ethics could also be associated with moral philosophy as it
could determine whether an actions is morally bad or good, and morally right and
wrong.

2. What is the basic purpose of a code of ethics for a profession?

Code of ethics for a profession is ideally to secure that the behaviour of the
employees are directed in a manner that is socially acceptable and respectful of one
another. It is also established to protect the rights and reputation of the
professionals. It establishes a guideline which directs professionals to act with
discipline and in a professional manner. Moreover, it provides the employees a
good conduct in decisional making and promotes integrity, honesty and an ideal
professional in the workplace. Usually, people who violates the code of ethics incur
disciplinary actions which urge them to obey and enhance their stature of
discipline

3. Name and explain the characteristics and values associated with ethical
behaviour.
 Integrity
This encourages the company members to be courageous, upright and
honourable. It discourages the characteristics of being twofaced and
unscrupulous or adopt an end-justice-the means philosophy that ignores
principles.
 Honesty
This aims to govern the employees to disclose only the truth and aims to
eliminate cheating, lying, stealing and deceiving.
 Trustworthiness and promise Keeping
This cherishes the essence of trust and full commitments among the
company members. It promotes just and reasonable interpretations of
agreements in order to rationalize noncompliance or excuses in breaking
commitments.
 Loyalty and Confidentiality
This refer to being loyal to employers, client and the country. It tells us not to
disclose information learned in confidence and safeguard the influences and
conflicts of interests.
 Fairness and Openness
Being fair and open-minded in dealing with different situations. A person
who is willing to commit mistakes, flexible enough to change his perceptions
 and beliefs, and equally treats other individuals. He does not take advantage
of other’s weaknesses and has a high tolerance of accepting diversity within
the organization.
 Caring for Others
Being caring, kind and compassionate towards other people; willing to share
and provide service to others without asking something in return and willing
to help those in need.
 Respect for Others
Values respect for dignity and privacy. A person who provides others the
information they need to make reasonable decisions and do not embarrass
nor demean others.
 Responsible Citizenship
It promotes a citizen who obeys laws and exercises all democratic rights by
participating to government activities and public service. Those who belong
in high position of leadership should honour democratic processes of
decision making that prioritizes the welfare of the people. It does not tolerate
unnecessary concealment of information and assure that all decisions are
derived from intelligent choices.
 Pursuit of Excellence
It exemplify a person who meets personal and professional responsibilities
with excellence and to the best of his ability. He should maintain a high
degree of competence and does not easily content with mediocrity.
 Accountability
Accepts responsibility for decisions for the foreseeable consequences of
actions and inactions. Those who are in higher positions such as parents,
public officials, teacher and employers should exercise leadership to
safeguard the integrity of their families, the government and professions.

4. Explain why ethical behaviour is necessary.

Ethical behaviour is a very important element in holding the society together.
It maintains the proper order among the people and guides them towards attaining
peace and unity. Without ethical behaviour, people might exercise stealing,
cheating, lying and other actions that could lead into a chaos that may danger the
people and the bond of the society as a whole. It also provides a long-term benefit
to the society as people are motivated to be incorporated with good characteristics
and eliminate bad habits that harm other people.

5. What are some of the reasons why people act unethically?

Some people tends to act unethical when they believe in a different principle
when dealing in a certain situation. We are the ones who decides what’s ethical and
unethical and some may see an action unethical which varies on the principle that
they believe in. Generally, there are two major reasons why people act unethically.
(1) It is when the person’s ethical standards are different from those of society as a
whole similar to what is previously mentioned; (2) and the other is when a person
chooses to act selfishly. The best example for the first reason are those drug dealers
and bank robbers. While the other reason is exemplifies through cheating on tax
 returns, the pork barrel scam and other political scandals which were results of an
individuals’ financial greed and incompetence. B this, we can also say that people
are more likely to act unethical when they don’t realize that they are making
actions that are harmless to others even if it is really not.

6. Describe some principles and or values that are related to

a. Personal Ethics
This encompasses the individual’s belief about morality – actions that are
right and wrong. This branch of ethics are commonly outside an
organizations as it involve an intrapersonal relationship.
 Basic Justice, fairness
 Respect for the right of others
 Concern for the right of others
 Concern for the well-being on welfare of others
 Benevolence, trustworthiness, honesty
 Compliance with the law
b. Professional Ethics
This branch of ethics are integrated with corporate standards of behaviour
expected from professionals. It aims to achieve the highest standards of
honesty and integrity among professional that enhances their
performances inside the workplace.
 Integrity, impartiality, objectivity
 Professional competence
 Confidentiality
 Professional behaviour
 Avoidance of potential or apparent conflict of interest
c. Business Ethics
This is a study of appropriate business policies and practices which
includes potentially controversial subjects such as corporate governance,
bribery, discrimination, corporate social responsibility and fiduciary
responsibilities.
 Fair competition
 Global as well as domestic justice
 Social responsibility
 Concern for environment

7. Explain why ethical behaviour is necessary in the practice of one’s profession.

Ethical behaviour is a moral code that governs the behaviour or individuals.
Generally, this leads the employees to an efficient performance in the workplace. It
motivates them to act in a proper manner, develop interactions with the co-
employees and stimulate positivity that leads to organizational growth. It helps
eliminate actions that can harm other people in the organization or hindrance the
work job to be accomplished by an employee. It discourages, as well, the unethical
behaviours that people might be doing if there is nothing that directs them to do the
right actions.